13 Things To Do This Weekend, From Pride Celebrations To Exhibits

Head to the Pride Parade

It’s London Pride! London’s Pride Parade 2023 is set to be the biggest celebration of Queer identity yet, starting in Hyde Park Corner and finishing in Whitehall Place. Expect over 600 LGBTQIA+ community groups to march across the capital. 

Activations will be going on all across the city, with stage areas taking over Golden Square, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Soho’s Dean Street and a family area at St Giles-in-the-Field.

Visit the hugely-popular Asteroid City exhibition

Whether you’ve just watched Asteroid City in the cinema or you’re an all-time Wes Anderson fan, 180 Studios’ latest exhibition is a must-visit. Prepare to be transported to the wonderful world of Anderson’s latest epic that’s received rave critical reviews and said to be his best film to date. 

Endorsed by Anderson himself, you know this is the best of the best. The exhibition features original sets, props, costumes and artwork, all capturing Anderson’s signature one-of-a-kind style. You can even dine at the film’s 1950s diner which has been recreated onsite, as well as spot a few out-of-this-world characters… 

Try a unique ice cream flavour at this pop-up

Anna Hindmarch’s hugely popular summer concept store, The Ice Cream Project, is back with a vengeance. Partnering with huge cult food brands, from Ribena to Maldon Salt, Londoners will be queuing around the corner to get a taste of the weird, the wacky and the wonderful ice creams and sorbets.

Made in small batches in Devon, this year’s line-up of peculiar flavours includes fan favourites and a few new welcome additions. Choose from the likes of Ambrosia Rice Pudding, a creamy option laced with the original Devon rice pud; Kikkoman Soy Sauce, a toasted sesame ice cream laced with umami-rich soy sauce; Tiptree Lemon Curd, made using the finest Sicilian lemon curd; Warburtons Crumpets, an ice cream packed with toasted crumpet and notes of butter; and Kellogg’s Coco Pops with an added crunch of chocolate flavoured toasted rice.

Book in for a guided heels choreography session

Creating unforgettable Pride moments, W London will be running a series of events until 6th July, from wellness sessions to a special W Film CLub showcasing a series of short films celebrating trans identity. This friday sees the hotel team up with professonal dancer and OUTHAUS choreographer, Shaquille Lloyd-Brush, to put on an electrifying heels masterclass. 

Expect to be guided through the foundations of movement in heels and touch on how to build confidence for the ultimate showdown. The class will be followed by a Q&A with Shaquille and DJ sets from Mark-Ashley Dupé and Jarred Baker.

Indulge on a Wimbledon-themed dish

It’s officially tennis season. Cue all of the Pimm’s, strawberries and cream selling out in your local M&S… If you aren’t making your way to SW19 this weekend but want to soak up some of the action, there are plenty of restaurants out there serving up ball-shaped desserts and themed cocktails that are ace. 

From The Ivy Café Wimbledon’s tennis ball dessert to The Dorchester’s afternoon tea with a twist, these are the best Wimbledon menus to try…

Catch Battersea Power Station’s rainbow chimney installation

Lighting up for Pride Month will be Battersea Power Station. Their iconic chimneys will be lit up in rainbow colours this Saturday, while the Riverwalk will be adorned with Pride flags, perfect for snapping an Insta shot and celebrating Queer identity. 

On July 10th, The Cinema in the Power Station’s bi-monthly short film showcase returns with The Short List Vol 5: Queer Worlds. Expect a series of short films from new talent to be on show, celebrating queerness in all its forms. 

Stop by this floral installation

Covent Garden’s legendary seafood spot, J Sheekey, has unveiled its latest terrace takeover. Titled a ‘Floral Symphony’, the terrace has been transformed with a variety of rosy red blooms to complement the restaurant’s signature red front. 

Head here for long, leisurely lunches or pre-show suppers, delighting on the ‘Oyster and Nyetimber’ menu. Opt for six Jersey oysters with a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée or try the Afternoon Sea For Two, featuring a decadent Plateau de Fruits de Mer, available Monday-Friday from 2-4pm.

Boogie to big acts at BST

If you missed out on P!NK’s epic return last week, fear not as BST Hyde Park returns once again this weekend for another round of epic performances from big name acts. 

Taking the wheel this Friday will be rock legends Guns N’ Roses, before making way for beloved British pop acts Take That. The weekend will close with K-pop icons Blackpink taking the reigns.

Get pre-show ready with this theatre menu

On the hunt for a new restaurant? Introducing the notable 190 Queen’s Gate Restaurant, the newly re-launched restaurant hidden inside Kensington’s The Gore hotel. Heading up the kitchen will be former National Chef of the Year and TV personality, Frederick Forster. Having worked with Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller and Pierre Gagnaire, he’ll be bringing his expertise and classic, yet modern approach to the table. 

The restaurant, which opened this June, will be serving up a tasty pre-theatre dinner menu, perfect for those heading out for a show. Priced at two courses for £30 or three courses for £35, menu highlights include mosaic of ham hock with pickled mushroom salad, herb emulsion and toasted brioche; seabream with glazed courgettes, potato dumplings and sauce bouillabaisse; and sticky toffee pudding for a British finish.

Celebrate Pride at this party

This Friday Silverleaf will be welcoming five talented LGBTQIA+ bartenders from all over the UK for a special Pride takeover.

Sponsored by William Grant & Sons, expect limited-edition cocktails inspired by the colours of the Pride flag, DJ sets from London artists and entertainment by Daisy Doris, part of the performance collective, Haus of Dons.

Watch the Henley Royal Regatta 2023

Get race ready and cheer on your favourite team to the finish line as the Henley Royal Regatta 2023 returns this week. The annual rowing event is hotting up, with athletes from all over the world racing to the nines for the chance to win a trophy. 

Head down to the riverside town this weekend to catch all of the action up close or catch it all on their YouTube channel.

Travel for Kusama’s largest-ever immersive exhibition

One of the most talked about artists of our generation, Yayoi Kusama will be launching her largest-ever immersive retrospective to date in Manchester this weekend. 

Adored worldwide for the surreal worlds she creates with her artistic eye, the new collection, titled Yayoi Kusama – You, Me and the Balloons, will celebrate three decades of the pioneering Japanese artist’s inflatable artworks. 

Brought together for the first time in this major exhibition, it will journey through Kusama’s iconic psychedelic works, including her huge 10m tall creations. 

Catch a screening at this outdoor cinema

For an al fresco cinematic experience complete with vegan Caribbean food, Little Moons mochi and heaps of popcorn, look to Picturehouse’s outdoor summer series at Preston Manor in Brighton. 

After a successful return last week, this weekend will be packed out with some family-friendly favourites and beloved British cult classics. The weekend will kick off with 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick on Friday; the latest installment from the Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Saturday; and finishing with Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead on Sunday.

EN ROOT will be on hand with plant-based Caribbean specialties, while Little Moons will be serving up their famed mochi.